Are high profile ski accidents giving the sport an unfair press?
High profile ski accidents, knocks, breaks, falls and worse have repeatedly hit the headlines in recent weeks, giving the sport more bad press than it deserves, according to Neal Collins, one of the founders of Ireland’s highly successful low-cost ski company, Directski.com, which accounts for 25% of the Irish ski market.
“Happily for the many of us who love skiing or snowboarding, the statistical risk of injury or death while skiing, or snowboarding remains acceptably low.” Says Collins. (Pictured above with fellow director and CEO of Directski.com, Anthony Collins).
“Being in the mountains is always potentially risker than taking an active pursuit at lower altitude, but snow is more forgiving than hard ground would be for a mountain biker, for example. Accidents may happen anywhere at any time, but with skiing and boarding, a sense of responsibility is essential and everyone considering a snow holiday should take some common sense steps before even stepping onto a chairlift”.
To stay as safe as possible on the slopes this winter, Directski.com’s Neal Collins advises skiers to keep to controlled and groomed pistes wherever possible, especially those who are new to the slopes or are returning after a long period of not skiing.
The company also advises keeping a mobile phone within reach at all times, with the local mountain rescue number easily accessible in the memory.
Collins continues “Protective wear and water resistant, thermal clothing is essential when skiing or boarding. Warm ski clothing, salopettes, thermal gloves, a hat or balaclava, padded ski socks and ski goggles are the very minimum. Consider wearing back protection, knee guards, wrist guards and, seriously consider wearing a ski helmet, most resorts will hire them, many offer them free to children.
Protecting the eyes and the skin from the reflective glare of the light on the bright snow is as important as keeping warm and dry. It’s easy to get panda eyes on a sunny day on the slopes, exposing the skin to dangerous UV rays and the eyes to semi-permanent, or even permanent damage. Take high factor sun creams and at least one pair of good quality sunglasses with you to ensure you’re well equipped from day one”.
Even before paying that final holiday instalment, Directski.com suggest skiers consider improving fitness levels to help cope with the stress of a week’s skiing. From a standing start, up to six hours of exercise on the slopes will take its toll and being fitter and stronger will help protect against falls and reduce injuries.
Neal Collins continues “Knowing your limits really is also essential when it comes to mountain sports. Even experienced skiers should start with the beginner slopes and progress gently during the first day to get ski legs back and pace yourself for the week ahead.
And always maintain a manageable speed to ensure you can adapt to situations, such as other skiers coming across your path, misjudged corners or mishit moguls, crowded slopes or icy patches”.
Directski.com believes that anyone considering skiing off piste, or even slightly away from the main routes, should always be properly equipped with a transceiver, probe and shovel. Secondly, off-piste skiers and boarders should always avoid poor snow conditions; reduced snow leaves rock exposed and compacted icy patching, making it harder to stay upright and more dangerous in the event of a fall.
Neal Collins continued “If you feel the need and are genuinely competent enough to cope with powder snow off piste, always check the avalanche advice, only ever ski if it’s down to one or two (out of five) and only then on red or blue runs, and whenever possible, hire a local guide”.
Travel insurance, with special winter sports cover, is as essential as warm, waterproof ski clothing and in the event of an injury whoever minor, speedy medical attention can be a life-saver or at the very least, extremely reassuring if dazed and horizontal.
Neal Collins added “For me there’s nothing in the world that compares with the feeling of being in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the freedom and exhilaration of traversing crisp white pistes. I don’t see a disproportionate risk in pursuing the sport I love, particularly when I take my own and my family's safety very seriously and I take practical steps to ensure I am informed and prepared”.